Well, lookey - a Diamond! ONE of the reasons we go to the movies...

Rating: 10/10 (20 June 2009)

For myself, I've read every single comment on this film - took me a while (208 to date). Some have made me think deeper about it. Still, I find it one of the most pathos-infused stories-put-to-celluloid I've had the privilege of viewing (please read the book...). If your spirit can't find the uplifting benefit in this film, I'd have to question your personal character, your outlook on life - or your moral turpitude. What's not to like about a ship-born infant whose, ultimately, self-imposed life at sea fosters his world-class musical talent - but which bungles the one, single, opportunity to requite the land-based love of his life?
Beautifully crafted, exquisitely shot, immaculately directed. If you have no ear for the extreme craftsmanship of (Tim Roth's or Clarence William III's) piano, or (Vincent Taylor Pruitt's) trumpet, I'm sorry for you. If you have no eye for divine camera-work, go play a video war-game. And if you can't recognize great acting when you see it then attend a rally for your local politician. But, if you have a sense for the ethereal within real life, an imagination to go with it, and your body still has the ability to produce real tears, then watch this film. It will cleanse you. 'THE LEGEND OF 1900' is ONE of the few reasons we go to the movies - they complete us. Believe me - I wept.
Kudos to the fine actors, director (Giuseppe Tornatore), and musical composer (Ennio Morricone).
Bob Shank Jr. Tucson, AZ